If you want better Headband adjustability
Choose Sendy Audio Apollo Pro. It scores 4.8 vs 3.1 for Headband adjustability, with a 4.4 overall score.
Meze Audio Strada Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Strada for premium build, long-session comfort, strong isolation and an unusually spacious closed-back presentation. Skip it if you have a small head, dislike energetic treble, or want consistently full mid-bass without EQ or careful amplification.
Best for
Listeners wanting a premium, serviceable wired closed-back with strong isolation, low weight and an expansive presentation will benefit most. It also suits immersive music, film and gaming use.
Not for
Treble-sensitive listeners, strict neutral-reference seekers and people with smaller heads should be cautious. Bass lovers wanting consistently heavy mid-bass may also prefer another tuning.
Verdict
Meze Audio Strada earns its strongest consensus around craftsmanship, comfort, repairability and an unusually open closed-back presentation. The light magnesium-and-wood chassis, magnetic pads, useful cable package, passive isolation and precise separation receive repeated praise. Sound impressions are much less uniform. Many listeners hear deep controlled sub-bass, natural vocals and smooth non-fatiguing highs; others find the lower mids thin, upper treble elevated, or the tonal balance dependent on pad seal, source matching and EQ. The headphones are easy to drive, yet several sources report tighter bass and smoother treble from better amplification. At $799, the flagship-like build and broad usability are compelling, but treble-sensitive listeners and smaller-headed buyers should audition first.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
51 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.028 (55%)
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Positive 3.5-4.419 (37%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.41 (2%)
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Negative 1.5-2.43 (6%)
Pros
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Screwed, modular construction, magnetic pads, and replaceable parts make repairability a standout advantage. The Strada is designed to be maintained instead of discarded.
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Soft pads maintain comfort and a useful seal with thin-framed glasses, avoiding the pinching some closed-backs create.
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The standard 3.5mm connection is straightforward and plug-and-play with compatible computers and portable devices.
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Its musical performance and adaptability earned a High Nines award from one publication.
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The materials and modular construction inspire confidence that the Strada is built for long ownership rather than short replacement cycles.
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The joints and moving hardware feel precise, solid, and engineered for long-term use rather than looseness or flex.
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Standard analog connections let the Strada work easily across computers, home audio gear, consoles, and handheld gaming devices.
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The broader modular design allows major wear components to be replaced rather than forcing disposal of the entire headphone.
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The passive wired design is refreshingly simple: connect the appropriate cable and start listening without apps, pairing, or configuration.
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With a wired Xbox setup, the Strada delivers immersive directional cues and impactful game audio that one listener described as a game changer.
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Low weight, soft memory-foam pads, and well-distributed pressure make long sessions a major strength. The key exception is fit: smaller heads may struggle even at the minimum adjustment.
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The magnesium frame, ebony cups, precise assembly, and premium finish draw near-universal praise. Only isolated adjustment, creaking, or cable-connector quirks interrupt an otherwise exceptional construction story.
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Magnetic pads detach and reinstall quickly without tools, simplifying cleaning, replacement, and long-term upkeep.
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Two useful cables, adapters, a protective case, and a cable pouch form a complete, high-quality package with little obviously missing.
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Measured and perceived channel balance is consistently excellent, with only minor unit-level deviations reported.
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Dual 3.5mm earcup inputs, 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm cables, and an adapter make the wired setup flexible across portable and desktop gear.
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Dynamic headroom and low distortion preserve clarity at elevated levels, although treble-sensitive material can become more aggressive as volume rises.
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The roughly 300–330g build feels notably light for its size and materials, reducing neck and head fatigue during extended listening.
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Flagship-derived materials, hand finishing, wood cups, and precise hardware make the Strada look and feel more expensive than its price. Its unusually light frame can briefly seem less substantial until handled closely.
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High sensitivity provides ample loudness from portable sources, with enough headroom for demanding recordings without needing a large desktop amplifier.
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Most consider $799 compelling for the flagship-like chassis, accessories, serviceability, and spacious sound. Buyers who dislike the tuning may see less value, especially when cheaper or more neutral alternatives exist.
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Wide staging, strong positional cues, isolation, and impactful low frequencies make the Strada highly effective for games and films. Competitive players may still prefer sharper imaging or a less treble-forward presentation.
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The broad, ventilated headband spreads pressure evenly and helps prevent hot spots, making its relatively light padding work better than expected.
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Passive isolation is unusually strong for an audiophile headphone and works well in offices, homes, and travel. Performance depends on achieving a complete pad seal.
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Layering and separation are clear strengths, giving instruments distinct space even in busy arrangements. A few listeners hear less depth or coherence when the treble dominates.
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The rigid case protects the headphones well and feels appropriately premium, although its generous size is less convenient for light travel.
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Light weight, strong isolation, and a protective case suit travel well. Its broad nonfolding shape, bulky case, and long cable keep it from being truly compact.
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Standard dual 3.5mm cup connections make cable replacement and third-party upgrades simple, secure, and widely compatible.
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Macassar ebony and metallic green give the Strada a distinctive, luxurious identity. The craftsmanship is widely admired, but the bold colorway is unmistakably polarizing.
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An unusually airy, wide stage is one of the clearest strengths for a closed-back headphone. Its exact depth and scale remain recording-dependent, and a few listeners hear a more intimate presentation.
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The Strada creates convincing depth, width, and placement for a closed-back design. Imaging is usually engaging and realistic, though a minority finds it diffuse, shallow, or less precise than top technical rivals.
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Clamp is usually secure and gently judged, holding the seal without creating a vise-like squeeze. A few heads may find it firmer or less adaptable than expected.
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The large, soft magnetic pads support comfort and sealing well. Their synthetic-leather surface can become warm for some listeners during extended use.
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Most listeners find the Strada engaging, refined, and easy to live with, while a smaller group is frustrated by tonal thinness or treble peaks. Satisfaction depends heavily on fit and sound preference.
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The Strada earns broad recommendation for its craftsmanship, comfort, isolation, and spacious presentation. It is not a universal pick: treble-sensitive listeners and people with smaller heads should audition before buying.
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The Strada is easy to drive, yet many listeners hear tighter bass, smoother treble, and greater refinement from better-matched amplification. Source synergy matters more than raw power alone.
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The closed cups keep music contained well at normal listening levels, making the Strada suitable around coworkers or family without broadcasting every track.
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Bass impressions vary with seal, source, and taste. Many hear deep, controlled sub-bass with satisfying punch, while others want more upper-bass weight, speed, or consistency.
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EQ can tame upper-treble energy, add lower-mid body, or improve bass balance. For the most treble-sensitive listener, correction may require narrower and more deliberate filters rather than one broad adjustment.
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The sound is widely praised for spaciousness, detail, musicality, and closed-back openness. The central tradeoff is tonal: some hear smooth balance, while others find the upper range too energetic and the lower mids too lean.
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Vocals and instruments are often praised for clarity, articulation, and natural timbre. Dissenting listeners hear a recessed lower midrange, thin male vocals, or an occasionally shouty upper-mid emphasis.
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The two braided cables are generally considered well made and useful, especially with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. A few listeners report shape memory, microphonics, or a finish that feels modest for the price.
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Ventilated headband padding and Alcantara-lined pads limit heat better than many closed-backs. Synthetic contact surfaces can still grow warm in long or hot sessions.
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Movement noise is generally low, though isolated units produced mild creaking or rattling when the cups rotated.
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The fit is secure for many users and suitable for walking, but cup angle and head size can make seal and positioning fussy for others.
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Treble opinions are sharply divided. Many hear airy detail, smooth extension, and fatigue-free sparkle, while others report 4–7kHz peaks, glare, or long-session fatigue.
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The tonal balance is the most disputed part of the Strada. Some hear natural neutrality or gentle warmth, while others describe a U- or W-shaped response with lean lower mids and emphasized upper treble.
Cons
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The sliding mechanism often feels smooth, quiet, and refined, but adjustment range is inconsistent across head sizes. Small heads can remain too loose, while some users want detents or more friction.
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The Strada has a broad, conspicuous silhouette rather than a discreet profile. Its oversized cups and generous padding are especially noticeable on smaller heads.
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The freely rotating cups aid positioning, but one listener found them too loose and awkward to align quickly with one hand.
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The light chassis travels better than its size suggests, but the nonfolding frame and large case take up considerable bag space.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Earpad noise, Sustainability and repairability, Channel matching, near average in Overall satisfaction, Immersive audio quality, below average in Ear cup swivel/rotation range, Aesthetics / discreet profile, Portability/foldability.
Summary
48 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher31 (65%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts13 (27%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower4 (8%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ear cup swivel/rotation range | 2.0 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
| Aesthetics / discreet profile | 2.0 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
| Portability/foldability | 2.0 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
| Earpad noise | 4.0 | 2.5 | +1.5 |
| Sustainability and repairability | 5.0 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
| Channel matching | 4.8 | 3.4 | +1.4 |
| Premium feel | 4.7 | 3.9 | +0.8 |
| 3.5mm analog input availability | 5.0 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Aesthetics / discreet profile
Choose Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones. It scores 4.7 vs 2.0 for Aesthetics / discreet profile, with a 4.4 overall score.
If you want better Frequency response accuracy
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones. It scores 4.5 vs 3.6 for Frequency response accuracy, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better Midrange clarity
Choose DALI IO-12 Headphones. It scores 4.8 vs 4.0 for Midrange clarity, with a 4.1 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
109 Pro
- Better: upper-register refinement The reviewer still prefers the 109 Pro for its airier, more refined presentation.
99 Classics V2
- Worse: detail and soundstage The Strada offers more detail and space than the 99 Classics V2.
Focal Azurys
- Better: tuning balance The reviewer recommends Focal Azurys for a safer, less fatiguing tuning.
FAQ
Does the Strada sound spacious for a closed-back headphone?
Yes. Its unusually wide, airy presentation is one of the most consistent strengths, although depth and scale can still vary by recording and listener.
Is the bass strong?
It can deliver deep, controlled sub-bass and satisfying impact, but bass quantity depends on seal, amplification, and the recording. Some listeners want more upper-bass weight.
Is the treble harsh?
Opinions split sharply. Many find it smooth, detailed, and non-fatiguing, while treble-sensitive listeners report peaks, glare, or fatigue around the upper mids and lower treble.
Is it comfortable for long sessions?
Usually yes, thanks to low weight, soft pads, and even pressure distribution. Small-headed users may not achieve a secure fit at the minimum adjustment.
Does it need a powerful amplifier?
No; portable DACs and dongles can drive it to useful levels. Better-matched amplification can still tighten bass and smooth the tonal balance.
Is the Strada easy to repair?
Yes. Its modular, screwed construction and tool-free magnetic earpads make maintenance and component replacement unusually straightforward.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - the Honest Audiophile
- Review score
- 2.8
Article Reviews
audiokeyreviews.com
First, the STRADA unlike Meze’s planar headphones will need, at least, 50 hours and nearly 100 hours to sound their best. The initial...
- Review score
- 5.0
futureaudiophile.com
Live from Romania, comes a pair of $800 audiophile grade headphones that suit the needs of music lovers and deliver true luxury
- Review score
- 4.3
architeg-prints.com
Experience the Meze Audio Strada’s lush green design and impressively wide soundstage in this detailed review.
- Review score
- 4.3
youraverageguystyle.com
In my latest tech review, I explore the advantages of the premium Meze Strada Headphones and report on their design, sound quality, and value...
- Review score
- 4.8
techradar.com
Elements from pricier models, elements from similarly priced models, but definitely no Frankenstein’s monster-style outcome…
- Review score
- 4.2
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